Do we ever feel fulfilled or complete?

[EdwardC]

Seeing threads & videos about quitting on brands and frustrations on waiting for certain models, I feel I want to share my perspective as it gives me a sense of peace when it comes to these challenges.

We all recognize times is different for watch collecting comparing 10 or even 5 years ago. As I was able to get into this hobby early, I am fortunately enough to acquire pieces I truly love through ADs and boutiques without paying over retail. The wait is always there, sometimes weeks and sometimes years. With the increasing # of collectors in the hobby and not many increase in supply, many of us are unable to acquire pieces we want even as genuine collectors. I feel over time, I learn to understand - and accept - that there is no way I will always get what I want. The last piece I got from AP could be the very last AP I acquire, and that's OK. I learned to let go of the feeling that I should be entitled to own a certain watch. As I have to face the reality that for every watch there could be hundreds of even thousands people aiming to acquire it. I do value my relationship with the SA. We check in with each other regularly and she allowed me to try on pieces that I think eventually will be in Philips or Christies (think Royal Oak minute repeater, ceramic perpetual, gold tourbillion, etc.). I appreciate all of them and already feel satisfied being able to try on it instead of owning it. Guess what, I would never think I will be having that level of budget anyway.

With the mindset that every incoming piece could be my last, I feel better and in a way "complete" with whatever already in my collection. There is no one to impress other than myself as a collector. While I wish everyone can reach to a point where they no longer feel frustrated or painfully sharing with the world that "I am done", I feel there is a lot we can feel grateful for by being in a position that allows us to continue to pursuit the next piece - whether it's your first piece or not. Happy Friday everyone.